Exploring the salience of religious identity on the mental health of the Mauritian adult

Abstract

Religion is undeniably one of the core components of the Mauritian identity, with religious values and principles woven into the Mauritian fabric. Due to the existing gaps in the research of religion and mental health in the Mauritian community, this study sought to examine the impact of religious identity on the psychological well-being of the typical Mauritian. 276 quantitative responses were retrieved, and 12 participants from the 3 main religious groups in the country were interviewed for an in-depth analysis of their religious identities. Results strongly demonstrated positive links between the 3 dimensions of religious identity and total well-being; religious identity achievement [χ2 (1680) = 2228 p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.537]; religious affirmation and belongingness [χ2 (1620) = 2041, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.523], and religious faith and practices [χ2 (1620) = 1757, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.487]. Religious practice strongly associated with emotional stability [χ2 (246) = 296.15, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.432] and happiness [χ2 (48) = 73.86, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.211]. Demographically, educational attainment did not affect religious identification in the Mauritian community. The findings clearly demonstrate the need for an integrative system with ingroup beliefs and traditions embedded into models of recovery for psychological disorders. Mental health professionals should consider alternative approaches, reeling in religion and spiritual dimensions of healing into conventional therapies. The role of religious settings in improving psychological treatment adherence and fostering mental well-being should not be downplayed.